Spike pulling apparatus



S. R. HURSH SPIKE PULLING APPARATUS INVENTOR. ,Sa mad A. Hilfs/1,

BY Pmi J- Paul A TTORNE YS 4 Jan. 24, 1956 llllllu'n l! INVENTOR. Samuel Hans/7,

4 Sheets-Sheet 2 S. R. HURSH SPIKE PULLING APPARATUS PM r PM ATTORNEYS.

Jan. 24, 1956 Filedvoct. 16, 1955 Jan. 24, 1956 s. R. HuRsH 2,732,173

SPIKE FULLING APPARATUS Filed Oct. 16, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 VAL VE INVENTOR. Samuel H. Harsh,

PM L Paw@ A TTORNE YS.

United States Patent O SPIKE PULLING APPARATUS Samuel R. Hursh, Bala Cyuwyd, Pa.

Application October 16, 1953, Serial No. 386,495

9 Claims. (ci. 2s4-1s) This invention relates to an apparatus for removing spikes from track ties, and more specifically relates to a portable spike pulling apparatus which is not only mov'- able along the track but also has capacity for movement oil the track to one side, for track clearance or other PQIPQSfS- `It is conventional railroad practice to remove spikes from ties by manual effort, utilizing clawbars and the like, Spike pulling mechanisms have also been devised, one particularly effective mechanism` being shown and described in my co-pendinvg application Serial No. 206,137, led Ianuary 16, 1951, now U. S. Patent No, 2,691,505, or which this application is a continuation-inpart. However, so far as I am aware, no completely effective manually controlled and power operable, apparatus has been designed which can readily be moved along the track by a single operator, and which has a spike pulling mechanism which is readily movable to engage and withdraw large numbers of Spikes disposed in widely varying positions and; angles on bothV ends of the ties.

It is accordingly an object of thiszinvention to provide a, spike pulling apparatus for removing spikes from the ties of railroad tracks and the, like.

Another objectof this invention is to provide a spike pulling apparatus which is readily movable by a single operator along` a. railroad track, and which also has capacity for movement to one side of the track independently of the track rails.

Still another object of this invention is to provide a high capacity spike pulling apparatus which may readily be operatedV by a single person.

Still another object of this invention, is to prov-ide a spike pulling apparatus wherein the device for pulling the spikes is substantially universally movable with respect to theother parts of the apparatus, and thereforel has capacity to engage and withdraw spikes in various4 locations andV arrangements with respect to the ties.

Other objects and advantages of this invention, including the simplicity andV economy of the same, and the ease with` which it may be operated,V will appear in; further detail hereinafter, and in the drawings, whereof:

Fig. l represents a plan view showing one Speciiic spike pulling apparatus constructed in accordance with this invention, the apparatus being located on a railroad track in position to withdraw a spike from one of the track ties;

Fig. 2V represents a view in side elevationshowingthe spike pulling apparatus of Fig. l, certain of the parts being displaced from thev positions` shown in Fig.4 1 in order more clearly to illustrate the construction and operation ofthe device;

Fig. 3` represents an end View of' the spike pulling apparatus, taken transversely ofthe track rails;

Fig. 4 represents a fragmentary enlargedl view of the carriage portion of the'spike pulling apparatus, certain of parts being broken away and' shown in section in order more clearly to illustrate important details;

Fig. 5- represents a fragmentary enlarged view in per 2,732,173 Patented Jan. 24, v195:6,

. lice y 2 spective, illustrating the details of the, centr-al portion of the body member of the spike pulling apparatus;

Fig. 6,. represents a fragmentary enlarged view in perspective illustrating the construction details of the end rtonv of the body member, certain portions of the handle member being broken away;

Fig. 7 represents a fragmentary enlarged view in perspective, illustrating the latch member which has a capacity to secure, the transverse axle to the body mem- Fig. 8 represents a partial sectional view of the axle member, with the central portion of the, axle broken away;

Fig. 9I represents a view in perspective of the auxiliary wheel carrier mechanism carried at the forward end of the body member; and

' Fig.` 10 represents a schematic diagram Villustrating the lluid pressure system which is connected to actuate the spike pulling device.

' Turning now to. the specific embodiment of the invention selected for illustration in the drawings, the number 2Q designates a carriage to which are secured a` pair of rotatable Wheels 21, 21. The wheels 21, 21 have flanges at their ends and are constructed and arranged to roll along the. top of a rail R. Fixed at 23 to the carriage 20 is a transverse axle 22 which carries at its other end a wheel or roller 24, which has capacity to roll along the opposite, rail R. It will be appreciated that the rails R, R' are secured in the usual manner to a plurality of ties T by means of spikes S..

Having reference particularly to Fig, 4, swivel member 26 is rotatably connected by means of a vertical pivot 25 to the carriage 20. The upstanding side plates 2,7 of swivel member 26 are apertured to receive a horizontal shaft 30., to which a pivot plate 31 is rotatably con.- nected. Aixed to the pivot plate31 is an enlarged body member 32. which, as shown in the drawings, is an I-beam..

'1V-he number 33, designates an engine carried on the forward end of the elongated body member 32. Engine 33 is coupled to a hydraulic pump 34' which is connected by means. of flexible tubes 35 to a hydraulic spike pulling mechanism,` further to be described hereinafter. Also` carried at the forward end of the elongated body member 32 is, an axle member 36 of generally U-formation, having a specic configuration further to; be described herein, the` axle member 36 being pivotally mounted in a bearing 37 aiiixed to the bottom of the body member 32. 'Ihe axle member 36 has a pair of parallel axle extensions 40, disposed along a common axis, on eachV of which extensions is carried an auxiliary wheel 41l having a pneu, matic tire 42.` It will be appreciated that thev axle extensions 4.0. and the auxiliary wheels 41 have. capacity for swinging movement up and down with respect to body member-32. Latch means 43 is provided for retaining the wheels. 41 in an upper (inoperative) position,4 asindicated in Fig. 2, whiler another latch means 44 is pro;- vided for securing the wheel members 41, 41 in a lower (operative)vr position as shown in solid lines in Fig. 2. Each, latch 43,: 44. is, self-closing and has a highly advantageous construction, as will further vappear hereinafter.

`Referring now more particularly to Fig. 5 of 'the' drawings, a, yoke 45 is aixed to the reary oi"` the body member 32, into. which. is inserted a tonguev 47 serving to connect the body member 32 to an extension arm 4.6. The number 50 designates a vertically arranged pivot pin extending4 through, yoke 45 and tongue 47. The` yoke 45' and' tongue 47 have corresponding holes 51, 52 ofA a proper ldiameter for the insertion of a locking pin 53, which is secured by a chain 54A to the body member 32. Ears 55', 55 are provided on ther body member 32" for securingthe0 pin 5=3 when notl in use. The extensionl 46 carries a= yoke member 56 whichis pivotally connectedl to tongue 47 by= means off a' horizontally arranged pivot pin 57. It is to be emphasized, however, that although pivot pins 50, 57 are described herein as vertical and horizontal respectively, it is not necessary that they be either vertically or horizontally arranged, since a substantially universal movement of extension arm 46 with respect to body member 32 may readily be obtained by arranging the pivot pins 50, 57 at any desired angle with respect to one another. The yoke 56 and tongue 47 have corresponding apertures 59, 60 accommodating a locking pin 61 similar to locking pin 53.

Referring now more specically to Fig. 6 of the drawings, a spike pulling device comprehensively designated by the number is supported on the free end of the extension member 46. A sleeve 71 is fixed on the extension arm 46 receiving a rod 72 which is rotatable in the sleeve as indicated by the arrows (a) in Fig. 6. Corresponding apertures 69, 73 are provided in the sleeve and rod coacting with a removable locking pin 74 to lock the sleeve and rod against relative rotation. The

rod 72 is restrained against axial sliding movement` by a set screw 75. Fixed on the end of rod 72 is a housing 76 for the spike pulling device 70. The housing 76 includes a pair of handles 77 whereby the entire spike pulling mechanism can be moved in any desired manner by a single operator. having a flange at its upper end rotatably supporting the sleeve for rotation in the housing 76 as indicated by the arrows (b) in Fig. 6. Fixed on the sleeve 80 is a sleeve handle 81 extending rearwardly below the handles 77 for convenient access to the operator of the mechanism. The spike pulling device 70 has a vertically reciprocable shaft 82 which is connected to the claws 83 (Fig. 2) to actuate the claws in order to perform the spike pulling operation. The specific structure of the spike pulling mechanism of itself constitutes no part of this invention, and reference may be had to my aforementioned copending application for the details of a hydraulic spike pulling device which may advantageously be utilized as the spike pulling component of the apparatus of this invention. It will be appreciated that the flexible tubing 35 is connected through a valve 84 which is carried by one of the handle members 77. It will also be understood that exible tubes 35 are connected from valve 84 to the hydraulic actuating mechanism comprehensively designated by the number 86. 35 also includes return lines for conducting the hydraulic tluid back to the pump 34 in the usual manner, all as indicated schematically in Fig. l0.

From the foregoing description it will be appreciated that the spike pulling apparatus of this invention may be advanced on wheels along the rails or may, when desired, be moved off to the side of the track by the auxiliary wheels 4l to clear the track for other use. The last mentioned operation may be performed by swinging the body member 32 parallel to the ties T and parallel to axle 22.

Latch means are provided for securing axle 22 to body member 32. This means, best shown in Figs. 5 and 7, includes a depending plate recessed at 91 to embrace the axle 22. A latch member 92, pivoted at 93 and recessed at 94, has capacity for swinging movement up and down relative to plate 90 to lock and release the axle 22. Depending plate 90 is provided with an upper aperture 94 and a lower aperture 95 arranged to receive a locking pin 96, which is similar to the other locking pins already described herein. Thus, the latch member 92 may be locked in engagement or locked out of engagement with the axle 22.

Turning now to` Fig. 8 of the drawings, it will be appreciated that the axle member 22 is threaded to a sleeve welded to the carriage 20 and secured in position by a set screw 101. The roller 24 is secured against axial movement relative to axle 22 by a pair of bearing rings 102, 102 which are fixed by set screws to the axle 22.

n Turning now to Fig. 9 of the drawings, it will be noted The number 80 designates a sleeve The exible tubing that the axle member 36 has capacity to swing about a central portion which is bent at right angles at both ends forming a pair of perpendicular leg members 111, which in turn are bent at their ends at right angles forming outwardly extending portions 112. The portions 112 are also bent at right angles at their ends forming elongated sections 113, which are in turn bent at right angles at their ends forming the axle extensions 40, 40. The latch members 43, 44 are constructed and arranged to engage the outwardly extending portions 112, which swing through an arc generally indicated by the arrow (c) in Fig. 9. The latch member 43 includes a fixed retainer member 114 which depends from the elongated body member 32, coacting with a dog 115 pivotally connected at 116 to the member 114. Dog 115 has an indented portion 117 which coacts with the member 114 to clasp the extension 112. Dog 115 is spring urged by a tension spring 120 for locking engagement with the extension 112. Dog 115 has an edge 121 whereby the dog 115 is readily displaced by the extension 112, opening the latching device permitting the extension 112 to move into the latching mechanism.

In the operation of the spike pulling apparatus, the wheels 21, 21 and roller 24 are disposed on opposite rails R, R', and the engine 33 is started up. The operator selects a spike which is to be removed and manipulates the handle members 77, 77 to bring the claws 83, 83 into the desired position in contact with the spike. To effect this movement, the body member 32 may be pivoted with respect to its carriage, the extension arm 46 may be substantially universally pivoted with respect to the body member 32, and the spike pulling device 70 may be moved substantially universally with respect to the extension arm 46. The operator may also swing the spike pulling mechanism about the axis of the vertically reciprocable shaft 82, if this facilitates the advantageous location of the claws 83. The spike is withdrawn from the tie by simply depressing the hand lever 85, and the spike pulling mechanism is then moved to a new position in order to engage and remove another spike. Fig. 1 illustrates how large numbers of spikes, located adjacent either rail and at opposite sides of each rail, 'may be removed without changing the location of the carriage 20. This is an important and highly advantageous feature of this invention. The dot-dash lines A in Fig. 1 illustrate only a representative selection of all the possible spikes which can be so removed.

Fig. l also illustrates (in dotted lines) a tie T which is disposed at an angle with respect to the other ties. By reason of the universal movement of the spike pulling device, spikes are readily removed from such ties in accordance with this invention.

Fig. l also illustrates in dot-dash lines the manner in which the spike pulling apparatus may be disposed transversely ofthe rails for movement to one side of the track. lt will be appreciated that the various locking pins and latch means are connected to rigidify the entire structure so that the spike pulling apparatus can be wheeled to one side in the manner of a wheelbarrow, the wheels 40 being locked in their lower or operative positions. The locking pins 53, 61 accordingly constitute specific forms of rigidifying means for rigidifying the body member 32 and extension arm 36. Fig. 3 also illustrates in dot-dash lines the arrangement of the apparatus for effecting its removal from the track.

Fig. 3 further illustrates the versatility of the spike pulling apparatus in removing spikes which are disposed at various angles. Tie B, which is shown in dot-dash lines, is inclined at an angle to the horizontal. Although ties are rarely so positioned in actual railroad practice, the universally movable spike puller may be rotated about a horizontal axis to obtain a better grip on the spike should such a situation be encountered. Of course, it will be appreciated that the angular inclination of the tie B has been greatly exaggerated for the sake of clarity.

While the drawings show a hydraulic pump together with hydraulic actuating mechanism utilizing oil or an equivalent liquid for operating the spike puller, it will be appreciated that other pressurized iluid operating means are the full equivalent. For example, an air compressor connected by lexible air hoses to an air actuating head on the spike pulling mechanism 70 is within the spirit and scope of this invention. Similarly, other compressed uids such as steam, etc. may readily be substituted by employing equivalent means well known in the art.

While the specification and drawings disclose a specic, preferred embodiment of this invention, it will be appreciated that the construction, piping and the like may be varied in design without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For example, equivalent devices may be substituted which function in a similar manner to obtain a similar result, parts may be reversed, and certain features may be used independently of the use of other features, all within the spirit and scope ot the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

1 In an apparatus for removing spikes from track ties, the combination comprising a truck having wheels constructed to move along the track, said truck also carrying adjustable wheels normally supported above the rst mentioned wheels, said adjustable wheels being movable up and down to and from a lower, ground-engaging position, an elongated body member pivoted to the truck for swinging movement in an arc above the track, at an angle extending upwardly with respect to the horizontal, said body member comprising two body portions pivoted together by means of a substantially universal pivot, n'gidifying means for said pivot, a spike pulling grapple carried by the body member and spaced along said body member from said truck, power means supported by the truck, and flexible connecting means extending along said body member for connecting said power means to said grapple for operating the grapple.

2. The apparatus defined in claim l, wherein the adjustable wheels are carried by an integral U-shaped shaft pivoted to the carriage, said shaft having integral, outwardly extending axle members at the ends of the U on which said wheels are rotatably carried.

3. The apparatus defined in claim 2, wherein latching means are provided on the carriage for engaging the legs of the U-shaped shaft for retaining the wheels in an inoperative position above the carriage, and wherein other latching means are provided on the carriage for engaging the legs of the U-shaped shaft for retaining the wheels in. an operative position below the carriage.

4. In an apparatus for removing spikes from truck ties, the combination comprising a carriage movable along the track, an elongated body member pivotally connected adjacent its forward end to the carriage for swinging movement in an arc above the track, which arc is inclined with respect to the horizontal, an elongated body extension pivoted universally at its forward end to the rear end of said body member, a spike pulling mechanism including grapple members carried by the rear end of said body extension, fluid pressure means supported by the carriage and connected to the grapple members to actuate the same, control means carried by the body extension and connected to the fluid pressure means, and handle means carried by the body extension whereby the carriage may be manually moved along the track, whereby the body member may be moved about its pivot with respect to the carriage and the grapple members moved universally relative to said body member.

5. Spike pulling mechanism comprising a carriage, an elongated body member pivotally supported by said carriage for swinging movement in an arc which is inclined with respect to the horizontal, an elongated body extension pivoted universally at its forward end to the rear end of said body member, a handle member pivotally connected to the rear end of said body extension for swinging movement independently of said carriage, said body member and said extension, a source of pressurized uid supported by said carriage, a iluid operated grapple member carried by said handle member, flexible connecting means operatively connecting said source to said grapple member, and iluid control means carried by the handle member with capacity to actuate said grapple member.

6. The spike pulling mechanism defined in claim 5, wherein the pressurized fluid is a hydraulic fluid and wherein said source is a hydraulic pump connected to a power means.

7. The spike pulling mechanism defined in claim 6, wherein the pressurized fluid is compressed air and wherein said source is an air compressor connected to a power means.

8. Spike pulling apparatus for removing spikes from a railroad track, comprising a carriage movable along the track, an elongated body member pivoted to the carriage, spike pulling mechanism pivotally mounted at one end of said body member, said body member comprising two body portions pivoted together by means of a substantially universal pivot, auxiliary wheels carried by the body member movable up and down relative to the track for removing the carriage bodily from the track to one side thereof, and rigidifying means carried by the body portions and movable with respect to the universal pivot for rigidifying the body portions relative to one another. v

9. Apparatus for removing spikes from ties, which are associated withthe rails of railroad track, comprising a carriage supported by a transverse axle having wheels engaging the rails, said carriage being connected to the axle at a location substantially directly above one of said rails, an elongated body member pivotally connected to said carriage, said body member comprising two body portions pivoted together by means of a substantially universal pivot, spike pulling mechanism carried by the body member at the rear end thereof and rearwardly of said universal pivot, means for rigidifying said body member in an extended condition, rendering said body portions incapable of moving about said universal pivot, and clamp means carried by the body member at a location spaced between said rails when said body member is thus extended and rigidilied and swung to a position directly above said transverse axle, and said clamp means extending downwardly from said body member for engagement with said axle intermediate the ends of said axle.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,595,420 Robb Aug. 10, 1926 1,880,338 Benson Oct. 4, 1932 1,908,299 Armstrong May 9, 1933 2,018,129 Jackson Oct. 22, 1935 2,487,572 McKee et al. Nov. 8, 1949 2,575,535 Talboys et al Nov. 20, 1951 

